Page 75 of Texas Glory
“If I didn’t sound knowledgeable, I think it’s safe to say I was at least enthusiastic about the new hotel.”
Precious barked again and began to squirm. Cordelia touched Rawley’s shoulder, and he jerked away. She hoped she wasn’t making a mistake.
“This is Rawley Cooper. He’s going to watch Precious for us.”
Dallas lifted a brow. “Is that so?”
Rawley jerked a nod. “But you gotta pay me. A dollar. Up front.”
“That’s a bargain,” Dallas mumbled as he reached into his pocket and withdrew a dollar. He laid it in Rawley’s palm.
Rawley looked at the coin as though he hadn’t really expected to receive a dollar. He pocketed the money, held out his dirt-covered hands, and took Precious. He glanced at Cordelia. “Where you want me to meet ya tomorrow?”
“Where do you live?”
He dropped his gaze. “Around.”
“We’ll find you,” Dallas said.
Rawley nodded and slowly scuffled away as though he carried something fragile.
“Now, why did you do that?” Dallas asked.
Cordelia turned her attention to her husband. “Precious was in the way.” She stepped onto the boardwalk. Her gaze was nearly level with Dallas’s. She could hear the gentle strains of another song fill the air. Her heart began to pound, her stomach to quiver. “The day we were married, you told me that it wasn’t hard to dance, and that you would guide me. I was wondering if your offer was still open.”
He shoved away from the wall and held out his hand. “It’s always open for you.”
She placed her hand in his. His palm was rough, his pads callused, his fingers long, his skin warm as his hand closed around hers. She walked with him to an area where only a few others danced.
When he placed his hand on her waist, it seemed the most natural movement in the world to place her hand on his shoulder. He held her gaze. When he stepped in rhythm to the music, she followed.
The melody swirled around her. Beyond Dallas’s shoulder, the muted hues of the sky began to darken, lengthening the shadows of evening. He guided her through the waltz as easily as he had guided her toward this day.
“How did you know that I wanted to build a hotel?”
His gaze never faltered. “Austin told me about your visit to the bank.”
“Did you tell Mr. Henderson to give me the loan?”
“I simply explained to him that you had collateral—”
“Your land.”
“Our land. He had no reason not to give you a loan.”
“And if the hotel fails?”
“It won’t.”
“How can you be so sure?”
His hold on her tightened as he drew her closer. Her thighs brushed against his.
“I’ve seen you terrified. You stayed when I have little doubt that you desperately wanted to leave. A woman with that much fortitude isn’t about to let a business flounder.”
“I was a fool to fear you.”
He shook his head slightly. “I was the greater fool. I never should have forced our marriage. I should have taken the time to court you.”
